Resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: are there any truly significant clinical prognosticators?

Clinical strategy of conversion therapy and surgical treatment for liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the digestive system in clinical practice. Due to the anatomical characteristics of the colorectum itself, colorectal cancer is prone to liver metastasis. Approximately 15%-25% of colorectal cancer cases are complicated with liver metastasis at diagnosis, 15%-25% are complicated with liver metastasis after radical resection of colorectal cancer, and 80%-90% with liver metastasis cannot undergo radical resection initially. The 5-year survival rate is less than 5%, and liver metastasis is the main cause of death in patients with colorectal cancer. In recent years, with the clinical application of effective chemotherapy and molecular targeted drugs, as well as the rapid development of surgical techniques, an individualized safe, efficient, fast, treatment plan can be formulated according to patients' age, primary colorectal tumor location, degree of differentiation, Ras and B-Raf gene status, tumor size, number and distribution of metastases in the liver. By shrinking the tumor volume in the liver and increasing the residual liver volume, liver metastatic tumors can undergo surgical resection or disease-free status can be achieved in patients with liver metastasis. As a result, patients with colorectal liver metastases can achieve a 5-year survival rate of 30%-57%, which greatly improves the prognosis after operation. According to the postoperative adverse factors, individualized preventive measures are worked out to reduce the impact of adverse factors and improve the prognosis of patients with colorectal liver metastases. In this paper, we systematically discuss the clinical strategy of conversion therapy and surgical treatment for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases by reviewing the relevant domestic and foreign literature, so as to provide a theoretical reference for the selection of clinical treatment and program for patients with unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases.

Patient selection for the surgical treatment of resectable colorectal liver metastases

Advances in surgery and chemotherapy regimens have increased the long-term survival of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Although liver resection remains an essential part of any curative strategy for resectable CRLM, chemotherapy regimens have also improved the long-term outcomes. However, the optimal timing for chemotherapy regimens remains unclear. Thus, this review addressed key points to aid the decision-making process regarding the timing of chemotherapy and surgery for patients with resectable CRLM. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:213-220. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Positive postoperative CEA is a strong predictor of recurrence for patients after resection for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

The role of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in surveillance and follow-up of patients with colorectal cancer continues to be debated. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of postoperative CEA as a predictor of recurrence for patients with resected colorectal liver metastases (CLM).

METHODS

Patients were identified from a prospectively maintained CLM database, and were studied retrospectively. Patients with extrahepatic disease or initially unresectable CLM were excluded. All patients in this study received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy after resection.

RESULTS

Between 1997 and 2007, a total of 318 consecutive patients were studied, with 168 patients (53 %) experiencing recurrence within 2 years. Various postoperative CEA cutoffs were tested as independent predictors of recurrence. A postoperative CEA ≥15 ng/ml obtained the highest hazard ratio (1.87; 95 % CI 1.09-3.2; p = 0.023) and was chosen to be included in the survival analysis in the multivariate model. A postoperative CEA ≥15 ng/ml had a specificity of 96 % and positive predictive value of 82 % for recurrence. On multivariate analysis, age ≥70 years, the presence of positive lymph node at primary tumor resection, disease-free interval ≤12 months, number of lesions >1, largest lesion ≥5 cm, presence of positive margins, and postoperative CEA ≥15 ng/ml were independent predictors of recurrence within 2 years.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a postoperative CEA ≥15 ng/ml to be a predictive test for recurrence.

Chemotherapy and targeted therapy for patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases, focusing on conversion hepatectomy and long-term survival

BACKGROUND

Eight years have passed since the introduction of chemotherapy (chemo) and targeted therapy regimens for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of chemo and targeted therapy in facilitating conversion hepatectomy and improving long-term survival in Japanese patients with CRLM.

METHODS

A total of 199 patients with CRLM were treated between May 2005 and August 2012. Initial therapies for these patients included straightforward hepatic resection (n = 48; 24 %), induction chemotherapy (n = 148; 74 %), and radiofrequency ablation (n = 3; 2 %).

RESULTS

In 56 of 137 patients (40.1 %) with initially unresectable CRLM, 7.5 courses of chemo and targeted therapy downsized and converted tumors to resectable tumors. The 5-year cumulative overall survival (OS) rate and the median survival time were significantly higher for the resectable CRLM than for the unresectable CRLM (54.6 vs. 5.3 % and 77.3 vs. 21.3 months, respectively; P < .0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that conversion hepatectomy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.19; P < .001) and responder to chemo and targeted therapy (HR 0.46; P < .01) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Multivariate analysis also revealed that left-sided colon or rectal cancer (odds ratio [OR] 8.4; P < .05), H1/H2 metastases (OR 7.3; P < .05), no extrahepatic metastases (OR 52.6; P < .001), and responder to chemo and targeted therapy (OR 6.1; P < .05) were significant predictors of conversion hepatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

A chemo and targeted therapy can facilitate conversion hepatectomy and allow for an excellent prognosis in patients with initially unresectable CRLM.

Successful liver resection for the unusual case of peripheral intra bile duct growth of liver metastasis from colorectal carcinoma

Peripheral intrabiliary liver metastases (PILM) from colorectal carcinoma are rare, and this feature, which resembles primary cholangiocarcinoma, potentially misleads the accurate diagnosis and subsequent surgical treatment. A 67-year-old man with a medical history of descending colon carcinoma demonstrated an abnormal rise in CA19-9. There was a strong possibility of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma, because Computed tomography detected tumour infiltration into bile duct three. The patient underwent anatomic segment eight and lateral lobe resection. Pathological findings revealed that every tumour was metastatic liver carcinoma due to descending colon carcinoma. Cases of liver metastasis which resemble peripheral cholangiocarcinoma might be difficult to distinguish preoperatively. The correct diagnosis is important in making decisions regarding the surgical management of such patients. Nonanatomic hepatectomy is often performed for liver metastases from colorectal carcinomas. Anatomic hepatectomy, however, should be recommended in cases of PILM.

Segmental and lobar administration of drug-eluting beads delivering irinotecan leads to tumour destruction: a case-control series

BACKGROUND

Irinotecan-loaded drug-eluting beads represent a novel drug delivery method that allows for the locoregional delivery of irinotecan to colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The method has shown impressive response rates. However, the pathological response to this treatment has not previously been demonstrated.

METHODS

Patients with easily resectable CRLM were treated with drug-eluting beads delivering irinotecan (DEBIRI) 4 weeks prior to resection. Pathological tumour response was graded using a validated system. The intraoperative detection of previously unidentified disease allowed for the assessment of pathological responses directly attributable to bead treatment.

RESULTS

In Patient 1, segmental embolization of the target lesion in segment VIII resulted in 100% necrosis (0% viability). An untreated lesion in segment IV was found to be 30% viable. In Patient 2, subsegmental embolization of the target lesion in segment VI resulted in 60% necrosis and 40% fibrosis (0% viability). An untreated lesion in segment VI remained 60% viable. In Patient 3, lobar embolization of the target lesion in segment II resulted in 0% viability. Two further lesions within the treated hemiliver, both with 0% viability, and one lesion in the untreated hemiliver with 45% viability were discovered at laparotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

This series demonstrates the effectiveness of DEBIRI in the treatment of CRLM. High rates of tumour destruction are possible, even with the proximal lobar administration of DEBIRI. Lobar administration appears to be an appropriate method of delivery for integration into future therapeutic regimens.

Effect of specialist decision-making on treatment strategies for colorectal liver metastases

Background

One hundred and ten patients were treated with palliative chemotherapy, of whom 53 had liver-only disease and had not been reviewed by a specialist liver surgeon. One scan was excluded as all reviewers felt it to be of insufficient quality to assess. Improved surgical technique and better chemotherapeutic manipulation of metastatic disease has increased the number of patients eligible for potentially curative resection of colorectal liver metastases. The rapid evolution in this field suggests that non-specialist decision-making may lead to inappropriate management. This study aimed to assess the management of colorectal liver metastases by non-liver surgeons.

Methods

All patients who underwent chemotherapy with palliative intent for metastatic colorectal cancer at a regional oncology centre between 1 January and 31 December 2009 were identified from a prospectively maintained local database. Six resectional liver surgeons blinded to patient management and outcome reviewed pretreatment imaging and assigned each scan a score based on their own management choice. A consensus decision was reached on the appropriateness of palliative chemotherapy.

Results

Tumours in 33 patients (63 per cent) were considered potentially resectable, with a high level of interobserver agreement (κ = 0·577). When individual approach to management was considered, interobserver agreement was less marked (κ = 0·378).

Conclusion

Management of patients with colorectal liver metastases without the involvement of a specialist liver multidisciplinary team can lead to patients being denied potentially curative treatments. Management of these patients must involve a specialist liver surgeon to ensure appropriate management.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of follow-up after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases2

Background

The evidence surrounding optimal follow-up after liver resection for colorectal metastases remains unclear. A significant proportion of recurrences occur in the early postoperative period, and some groups advocate more intensive review at this time.

Methods

A systematic review of literature published between January 2003 and May 2010 was performed. Studies that described potentially curative primary resection of colorectal liver metastases that involved a defined follow-up protocol and long-term survival data were included. For meta-analysis, studies were grouped into intensive (more frequent review in the first 5 years after resection) and uniform (same throughout) follow-up.

Results

Thirty-five studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria, involving 7330 patients. Only five specifically addressed follow-up. Patients undergoing intensive early follow-up had a median survival of 39·8 (95 per cent confidence interval 34·3 to 45·3) months with a 5-year overall survival rate of 41·9 (34·4 to 49·4) per cent. Patients undergoing routine follow-up had a median survival of 40·2 (33·4 to 47·0) months, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 38·4 (32·6 to 44·3) months.

Conclusion

Evidence regarding follow-up after liver resection is poor. Meta-analysis failed to identify a survival advantage for intensive early follow-up.

Ablative therapies for colorectal liver metastases: a systematic review

AIM

The standard treatment for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is surgical resection. Only 20-30% of patients are deemed suitable for surgery. Recently, much attention has focused on ablative therapies either to treat unresectable CRLM or to extend the margins of resectability. This review aims to assess the long-term outcome and complication rates of various ablative therapies used in the management of CRLM.

METHOD

A literature search was performed of electronic databases including Medline, Cochrane Collaboration Library and the National Library of Medicine's ClinicalTrials.gov. Inclusion criteria were ablation for CRLM with minimum 1 year follow-up and >10 patients, published between January 1994 and January 2010.

RESULTS

In all, 226 potentially relevant studies were identified, of which 75 met the inclusion criteria. Cryotherapy (26 studies) had local recurrence rates of 12-39%, with mean 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 84%, 37% and 17%. The major complication rate ranged from 7% to 66%. Microwave ablation (13 studies) had a local recurrence rate of 5-13%, with a mean 1-, 3- and 5-year survival of 73%, 30% and 16%, and a major complication rate ranging from 3% to 16%. Radiofrequency ablation (36 studies) had a local recurrence rate of 10-31%, with a mean 1-, 3- and 5-year survival of 85%, 36% and 24%, with major complication rate ranging from 0% to 33%.

CONCLUSION

Ablative therapies offer significantly improved survival compared with palliative chemotherapy alone with 5-year survival rates of 17-24%. Complication rates amongst commonly used techniques are low.

Diagnosis and management of recurrent colorectal cancer

Justification for the management of recurrent colorectal cancer begins with proof that the ultimate outcome measured by survival can be influenced. To do this, we must prove there is value to follow-up of colorectal cancer patients. Without followup, the management of recurrent cancer is limited.

Does anatomic versus nonanatomic resection affect recurrence and survival in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal liver metastasis?

Anatomic resection of colorectal liver metastases may offer a survival advantage because (1) it removes the hepatic functional unit as a whole and (2) nonanatomic resection has been reported to have a higher incidence of positive margins.A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases. 183 patients met inclusion criteria of undergoing either anatomic or nonanatomic resection with the aim of removing all gross disease. Mean age was 61 years (range 31-90 years), 57% were male. 89 patients (49%) underwent nonanatomic resection, the remaining 94 (51%) had anatomic resection. Average duration of inflow occlusion was 10 min. Average length of stay was 7.4 days. There were three deaths, yielding a 1.6% 30-day mortality rate. There was no difference in the incidence of positive margins between types of resection. Recurrence was 27%, 55%, and 59% at 1, 3, and 5 years respectively. Overall survival was 89%, 67%, and 55% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Type of resection was not associated with significant differences in recurrence or survival even when adjusted for differences in preoperative risk.We conclude that hepatic resection for colorectal metastases can be performed safely and offers select patients with stage IV disease prolonged survival. Resection type should be based on the number and location of tumors, rather than on segmental anatomy. An emphasis on the preservation of hepatic parenchyma may be of increasing importance in the setting of chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis, and the growing number of patients undergoing repeated metastasectomy.

Ageing and hepatic steatosis exacerbate ischemia/reperfusion-accelerated outgrowth of colorectal micrometastases

BACKGROUND

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is frequently encountered during hepatic surgery. We recently showed that I/R accelerates the outgrowth of pre-established colorectal micrometastases. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of ischemia time, gender, age, and liver steatosis on the accelerated outgrowth of colorectal metastases following I/R.

METHODS

Five days after tumor cell inoculation, mice were subjected to 20, 30 or 45 min of left lobar I/R. To assess the influence of age, gender, and liver steatosis on I/R-accelerated tumor growth, we compared old with young mice, male with female mice, and mice with healthy livers with mice with steatotic livers. Endpoints were extent of tissue necrosis and tumor growth.

RESULTS

With increasing ischemia times, tissue necrosis and I/R-accelerated tumor growth increased, with a significant stimulatory effect at 30 and 45 min of ischemia. I/R-stimulated outgrowth of micrometastases was further increased by 33% in aged mice and by 42% in steatotic livers and was associated with increased tissue necrosis. In female mice tissue necrosis had decreased by 47% and tumor growth was reduced in both control and clamped liver lobes. The stimulatory effect of I/R on metastasis outgrowth was similar in male and female mice.

CONCLUSIONS

I/R-accelerated outgrowth of colorectal micrometastases largely depends on the duration of the ischemic period, with a safe upper limit of 20 min in mice. The stimulatory effects of I/R on tumor growth are exacerbated in aged mice and in steatotic livers.

Role of ultrasonography in the detection of resectable recurrence after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases

Background

Recurrence develops in most patients after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases. Repeat resection is feasible in some of these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate an ultrasound-based follow-up protocol in the detection of resectable recurrent disease.

Methods

All patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases at a single hepatobiliary referral centre in the UK from January 1999 to December 2004 were identified. Variables reviewed included rates of recurrence, mode and timing of detection, rates of repeat hepatectomy and survival.

Results

During the study period 191 patients underwent initial resection of colorectal liver metastases, of whom 109 developed recurrent disease. In total, 21 patients underwent potentially curative intervention, including 16 hepatic resections, four pulmonary resections and one staged pulmonary/hepatic resection. Ten of 72 patients who presented with recurrent disease within 12 months after initial resection were amenable to curative resection, compared with 11 of 37 patients presenting after 12 months. Sonographic surveillance identified all of the potentially resectable recurrent hepatic disease in the series.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography is effective in the detection of potentially resectable hepatic recurrence after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases; however, routine chest imaging is needed.

Shifting from clinical to biologic indicators of prognosis after resection of hepatic colorectal metastases

Following resection of hepatic colorectal metastases, there are few criteria for predicting which patients have more aggressive disease and are, therefore, more likely to experience recurrence and reduced survival. Traditionally, primary tumor stage, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level, time from primary tumor treatment to diagnosis of hepatic metastases (disease-free interval), hepatic tumor size, number of hepatic metastases, and presence of extrahepatic disease have been reported to be predictors of survival after resection. However, the data regarding the prognostic importance of these clinicopathologic factors are inconsistent and conflicting. Therefore, conventional clinicopathologic factors may be inadequate for the purposes of prognostication. More recently, there has been increased interest in identifying biologic indicators that may help better define patients at risk for recurrence after hepatic resection for colorectal metastases. Recent studies have shown that proliferation markers such as p53 expression, tritiated thymidine uptake, thymidylate synthase, Ki-67, and human telomerase reverse transcriptase may be better predictors of outcome after resection of hepatic colorectal metastases. Moreover, tumor response to preoperative chemotherapy may also prove to be a useful predictor of outcome following liver resection for colorectal metastases.

Follow-up and outcomes for resection of colorectal liver metastases in Edinburgh

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the value of a defined follow-up protocol for patients undergoing potentially curative hepatic resection for colorectal hepatic metastases.

METHODS

A standard protocol for the duration of the study consisted of clinical assessment, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and computed tomography. Patterns of recurrence, method and timing of diagnosis and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-one patients underwent potentially curative resection from 1989 to 2004 of whom 103 developed recurrence. The median (inter-quartile range) follow-up was 24.4 (6.5-42.3) months. The median (IQR) time to recurrence and overall survival was 25.0 (10 -not yet reached) and 45.2 (21-123) months, respectively. Seventeen patients (8.9%) underwent further surgery with curative intent. Fifty-five patients (57.9%) had recurrence diagnosed at routine follow-up with 71% (44/62) being diagnosed by CEA and CT. The CEA was elevated in 85.7% (72/84 patients) at the time of diagnosis of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Although the detection of recurrent disease is common during follow-up after hepatic resection for colorectal metastases, few patients will be suitable for further intervention with curative intent. The exact nature of the follow-up protocol remains to be determined but if it is going to be performed it should be most intensive within the first 3 years.

Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases with Macroscopic Intrabiliary Tumor Growth

OBJECTIVES

We set out to clarify the clinicopathologic characteristics of colorectal liver metastases with macroscopic intrabiliary tumor growth and to determine optimal surgical management.

METHODS

Over 15 years, 6 of 103 patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases had macroscopic intrabiliary tumor growth and were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

We performed 11 operations for the 6 patients, consisting of 10 hepatectomies (including 1 hepatopancreatoduodenectomy) and 1 pancreatoduodenectomy. Three patients survived more than 5 years: 1 died of pulmonary emphysema with no sign of recurrence 101 months after initial hepatectomy; the 2 others were alive with no sign of recurrence at 74 and 145 months after initial hepatectomy. Median survival time of all 6 patients was 87.5 months. Histologically, intrabiliary tumor growth had two components: intraluminal and intraepithelial extension. In the proximal direction, distance between these two components ranged from 4-10 mm.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive surgical treatment can improve chances of long-term survival for patients with macroscopic intrabiliary growth of colorectal liver metastasis. Although nonanatomic limited resection is a common procedure for colorectal liver metastasis, anatomic hepatobiliary resection is recommended.

A case of mucin producing liver metastases with intrabiliary extension

A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of liver metastases from colon cancer. He underwent right hemicolectomy for cecal cancer eight years ago, and had a metastatic liver tumor in segment 8 (S8), which was surgically resected about 4 years after the initial operation. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens from both operations revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with mucinous carcinoma. Four months after the second operation, computed tomography demonstrated a low-density lesion at the cut surface of the remnant liver. Although it was considered to be a postoperative collection of inflammatory fluid, it formed a cystic configuration and increased in size to approximately 5 cm in diameter. With a tentative diagnosis of a recurrence of metastatic cancer, partial hepatectomy of S8 was performed. Histological examination of the resected specimens also revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma, which had invaded into the biliary ducts, replacing and extending along its epithelium. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin (CK) 20, but negative for CK7. Therefore, the tumor was diagnosed as a metastatic adenocarcinoma from colonic cancer. Liver metastases of colorectal adenocarcinoma sometimes invade the Glisson’s triad and grow along the biliary ducts.

Detecting curable disease following hepatectomy for colorectal metastases

INTRODUCTION

Although resection may be curative for patients with hepatic colorectal metastases, recurrence occurs in the majority. Recurrence is occasionally amenable to repeated resection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate which modalities, at what intervals, detected potentially curable resection.

METHODS

The records of patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal metastases over 10 years in one centre were retrospectively reviewed to determine when and how recurrence was diagnosed. Specific attention was paid to the detection of potentially curable disease.

RESULTS

Of 41 recurrences, 22 occurred in the first year postoperatively, 21 of which were suitable for palliative treatment only. Ten of 19 recurrences occurring after 1 year underwent potentially curative intervention, 10 were diagnosed by computed tomography (CT). Carcinoembryonic antigen did not diagnose any curable recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

A follow-up protocol is proposed, based on annual CT.

What factors influence survival in patients with unresected synchronous liver metastases after resection of colorectal cancer?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether the survival of patients with untreated synchronous liver metastases after resection of a colorectal cancer was associated with any features of the primary tumour.

METHODS

Information for 398 consecutive patients with unresected liver metastases in the period 1971-2001 was examined by multivariate survival analysis.

RESULTS

Of 19 clinical and pathological variables considered, survival was independently associated only with residual tumour in a line of resection (hazard ratio (HR) 1.95), venous invasion (HR 1.87), right colonic tumour (HR 1.68), lymph node metastasis (HR 1.54), and extra-hepatic metastasis (HR 1.16); 8.3% of patients had none of these adverse features. Their 2-year overall survival rate was 39.2%, compared with only 16.5% (P < 0.001) in those with one or more adverse features.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may assist in selecting patients most likely to benefit from treatment of hepatic metastases and in counselling patients and their relatives.

Recommendations for the reporting of tissues removed as part of the surgical treatment of malignant liver tumors

The Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology (ADASP) has developed recommendations for the surgical pathology report for primary and metastatic epithelial tumors in the liver. These recommendations are reported herein.

Fatores prognósticos na ressecção de metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal

OBJETIVO: Determinar o impacto de fatores prognósticos na sobrevida de pacientes com metástases hepáticas ressecadas e originadas de câncer colorretal. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os prontuários de 28 pacientes submetidos a ressecção hepática de metástases de câncer colorretal de abril de 1992 a setembro de 2001. Foram realizadas 38 ressecções (8 pacientes com mais de uma ressecção no mesmo tempo cirúrgico e 2 pacientes submetidos a re-ressecções). Todos haviam sido submetidos previamente a ressecção do tumor primário. Utilizou-se protocolo de rastreamento de metástases hepáticas que incluiu revisões clínicas trimestrais, ecografia abdominal e dosagem de CEA até se completarem 5 anos de seguimento e após, semestralmente. Os fatores prognósticos estudados foram: estágio do tumor primário, tamanho das metástases > 5cm, intervalo entre ressecção do tumor primário e surgimento da metástase < 1 ano, CEA >100 ng/mL, margens cirúrgicas < 1cm e doença metastática extra-hepática. O estudo foi retrospectivo e a análise estatística foi feita pela curva de Kaplan-Meier, log-rank e regressão de Cox. RESULTADOS: A morbidade foi 39,3% e a mortalidade operatória foi 3,6%. A sobrevida em 5 anos foi de 35%. Os fatores prognósticos independentes adversos foram: intervalo < 1 ano entre ressecção do tumor primário e surgimento da metástase, e doença metastática extra-hepática. CONCLUSÕES: A ressecção hepática de metástases de câncer colorretal é um procedimento seguro com sobrevida em 5 anos acima dos 30%. Foram fatores prognósticos independentes adversos: doença metastática extra-hepática e intervalo < 1 ano entre ressecção do tumor primário e surgimento da metástase.

Detection of disseminated tumour cells in blood and bone marrow samples of patients undergoing hepatic resection for metastasis of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

In 50-60 per cent of patients who undergo hepatic resection for metastasis of colorectal cancer the first site of tumour recurrence is extrahepatic, indicating the presence of more extensive disease at the time of resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of disseminated tumour cells in blood and bone marrow could predict extrahepatic tumour recurrence.

METHODS

Cytokeratin 20 (CK20) reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to study the presence of tumour cells in preoperative peripheral blood and bone marrow samples from 41 patients with liver metastasis scheduled for surgical resection.

RESULTS

CK20 expression was detected in six of 41 peripheral blood samples and in eight of 32 bone marrow samples. There was no correlation between CK20-positive samples and subsequent extrahepatic recurrence. Positive blood samples did, however, correlate with high serum carcinoembryonic antigen level and large tumour volume. None of the 14 patients previously treated with chemotherapy had CK20-positive samples, whereas six of 27 blood and eight of 20 bone marrow samples were positive in the chemotherapy-naive group.

CONCLUSION

Although the number of patients in this study is limited, the presence of disseminated tumour cells did not predict subsequent extrahepatic recurrence. The results strongly suggest that the presence of circulating tumour cells in peripheral blood may reflect transient shedding of tumour cells related to large tumour volume.

Biliary carcinoembryonic antigen levels in diagnosis of occult hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma

AIM: To prospectively explore the role of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in gallbladder bile in patients with colorectal carcinoma and the morphological and clinical features of neoplasia and the occurrence of hepatic metastases.

METHODS: CEA levels in the gallbladder and peripheral blood were studied in 44 patients with colorectal carcinoma and 10 patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis. CEA samples were collected from the gallbladder bile and peripheral blood during the operation, immediately before extirpating the colorectal neoplasia or cholecystectomy. Values of up to 5 ng/mL were considered normal for bile and serum CEA.

RESULTS: In the 44 patients with colorectal carcinoma who underwent operation with curative intent, the average level of serum CEA was 8.5 ng/mL (range: 0.1 to 111.0 ng/ml) and for bile CEA it was 74.5 ng/mL (range: 0.2 to 571.0 ng/ml). In the patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis who underwent cholecystectomy, the average level of serum CEA was 1.9 ng/mL (range: 1.0 to 3.5 ng/ml) and for bile CEA it was 1.2 ng/mL (range: 0.3 to 2.9 ng/ml). The average duration of follow-up time was 16.5 mo (range: 6 to 48 mo). Four patients who underwent extirpation of the colorectal carcinoma without evidence of hepatic metastasis and with an average bile CEA value of 213.2 ng/mL presented hepatic metastases between three and seventeen months after removal of the primary colorectal neoplasia. Three of them successfully underwent extirpation of the hepatic lesions.

CONCLUSION: High CEA levels in gallbladders of patients undergoing curative operation for colorectal carcinoma may indicate the presence of hepatic metastases. Such patients must be followed up with special attention to the diagnosis of such lesions.

Determinação do antígeno carcinoembrionário biliar na detecção das metástases hepáticas do carcinoma colorretal

OBJETIVO: Analisar, prospectivamente, os resultados da determinação do antígeno carcinoembriário (CEA) na bile vesicular, relacionando-os com os aspectos morfológicos e clínicos da neoplasia e recidiva hepática. MÉTODOS: Os níveis do CEA foram estudados na bile vesicular e no sangue periférico de 44 doentes com carcinoma colorretal e 10 com colelitíase não complicada, a partir de amostras do CEA colhidas imediatamente antes da extirpação da neoplasia colo-retal e da colecistectomia (considerou-se valor normal até 5 ng/ml). RESULTADOS: Os 44 carcinomas colorretais extirpados com intenção curativa tiveram nível médio do CEA sérico de 8,5 ng/ml e CEA biliar, 74,5 ng/ml. Nas colelitíases não complicadas submetidas a colecistectomia, o nível médio do CEA sérico foi de 1,9 ng/ml e CEA biliar, 1,2 ng/ml. Quatro doentes submetidos à extirpação do carcinoma colo-retal, sem evidências de metástases hepáticas e com valor médio de CEA biliar de 213,2 ng/ml apresentaram metástases hepáticas entre três a 17 meses após a extirpação. CONCLUSÃO: o nível elevado de CEA biliar dos operados por carcinoma colo-retal pode indicar presença de metástases hepáticas e esses enfermos devem ser acompanhados com especial atenção para diagnosticar essas lesões.

Less aggressive features of colorectal cancer with liver metastases showing macroscopic intrabiliary extension

We have previously reported the frequent occurrence of bile duct invasion by liver metastases from colorectal cancer. We found that patients with macroscopic intrabiliary cancer growth survive longer after hepatectomy than those without this feature. In the present study, we analyzed the clinicopathological features of primary colorectal cancer showing macroscopic intrabiliary extension of liver metastases. We reviewed 217 patients who underwent initial hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastasis between 1992 and 1998, and analyzed the corresponding primary colorectal cancers clinicopathologically. Microscopic bile duct invasion was found in 89 of 217 cases (40.6%) and, of these cases, 23 (10.6%) had macroscopic intrabiliary extension. Histological sections of the corresponding primary colorectal cancer were available in eight (group A) of these 23 cases. These were compared with 20 cases, selected randomly, of colorectal cancer that did not show bile duct invasion and were diagnosed as liver metastases. These patients underwent hepatectomy during the same period as group A and were used as a control (group B). The histology of the primary tumors revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in 100% of group A and in 25% of group B. The average maximum diameter of the primary tumor was 5.32 cm in group A and 3.61 cm in group B. Venous invasion was detected in 25% of group A and in 90% of group B (P < 0.01), while the incidences of lymphatic vessel invasion and lymph node metastases were similar between the groups. These data suggest that macroscopic intrabiliary extension could be a good indicator of a unique subgroup of colorectal cancers showing less aggressive features even though they develop liver metastases. Careful histological evaluation is important even for metastatic tumors.

Carcinoembryonic antigen as an independent prognostic factor of recurrence and survival in patients resected for colorectal liver metastases: a systematic review

PURPOSE

We attempted to answer the question of whether serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen provide prognostic information, in terms of survival, in patients resected for colorectal liver metastases, independently of that provided by other commonly used radioclinical and pathologic factors.

METHOD

We performed a systematic review, without meta-analysis, of the biomedical literature using the methodology recommended by the Committee on Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

RESULTS

Despite the absence of sufficient details about the methods used to measure serum carcinoembryonic antigen in the 14 studies reviewed, strong arguments exist to include preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen measurements in future trials on the subject. In particular, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen was found to be significant in the two studies with the greatest number of patients having a preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen assay, in the four studies with the most recent series of patients, in the study in which preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen was used as a continuous variable, and in the study in which preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen was used in terms of doubling time. Postoperative carcinoembryonic antigen was found to have a prognostic significance in the only two studies that evaluated this variable.

CONCLUSION

Taking into account the possible reasons for disagreements regarding carcinoembryonic antigen prognostic value between the 14 studies reviewed, we propose some recommendations to improve the reproducibility and the quality of future studies in this field. In particular, we stress the need for a higher degree of multidisciplinary collaboration in clinical trials.

Computed tomographic features of colorectal carcinoma liver metastases predict posthepatectomy patient survival

PURPOSE

The gross appearance of colorectal carcinoma liver metastases reflects the biologic behavior of the tumor, yielding prognostic information. The aims of this retrospective study were to determine whether preoperative computed tomographic features of colorectal carcinoma liver metastases reflect the gross appearance of resected specimens and whether these computed tomographic hepatic features predict survival after hepatectomy.

METHODS

Eighty-five patients underwent curative partial hepatectomy for colorectal carcinoma liver metastases. Preoperative computed tomographic features of the largest hepatic deposit were classified by the contour of advancing margin of the tumor into two types: lobular tumors with indentations with an acute angle and nonlobular tumors without such indentations. The correlation between computed tomographic features and 18 other clinicopathologic factors was examined.

RESULTS

The overall five-year survival rate was 34.1 percent. Of 85 hepatic tumors examined, 49 were lobular and 36 were nonlobular. Computed tomographic features correlated significantly with gross appearance (P = 0.007). Univariate analysis revealed that computed tomographic features (P < 0.0001), gross appearance (P = 0.0063), size of the largest hepatic deposit (P = 0.0075), age (P = 0.0140), and satellite lesions (P = 0.0443) were significant prognosticators. The five-year survival rates in patients with lobular and nonlobular tumors were 10.4 and 66.1 percent, respectively. By multivariate analysis, computed tomographic features (P < 0.0001) and size of the largest hepatic deposit (P = 0.0419) were independently significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Computed tomographic features of colorectal carcinoma liver metastases correlate with their gross appearance. The computed tomographic characterization of liver metastases is the most important independent prognostic factor in patients undergoing curative hepatectomy.

Anatomical major resection versus nonanatomical limited resection for liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although systematic anatomical hepatic resection has been reported to improve patient survival in hepatocellular carcinoma, principles of hepatectomy procedure have not been clearly demonstrated in secondary hepatic malignancy. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether selection of surgical procedures for liver resection is associated with the pattern of tumor recurrence or patient survival.

METHODS

During the period of 1980 through 1999, 174 cases underwent liver resection for hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer. Of these, 96 underwent systematic anatomical major hepatic resection (anatomical group) and 78 cases underwent nonanatomical limited resection (nonanatomical group). Subset analysis of 115 patients with unilobar single or double tumors was also conducted.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival rate of 174 patients was 43.2%. Univariate analysis did not show a significant difference in patient survival according to surgical procedure (anatomical group versus nonanatomical group). Operative morbidity and mortality rates were slightly higher in anatomical group. From the subset analysis in unilobar single or double tumors, anatomical major hepatectomy was unnecessary in 80.4% of the cases if the tumors were resectable by nonanatomical limited resection. Ninety percent of the ipsilateral recurrence, which could have been avoided if the first operation was anatomical hemihepatectomy, could undergo second hepatectomy with 5-year survival rate of 58.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

There was not a significant difference in patient survival according to surgical procedure. To minimize surgical stress and operative risk, nonanatomical limited liver resection should be a basic surgical procedure for colorectal metastases.

Surgery for colorectal liver metastases with hepatic lymph node involvement: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Liver resection for colorectal metastases is the only known treatment associated with long-term survival; extrahepatic disease is usually considered a contraindication to such treatment. However, some surgeons do not regard spread to the hepatic lymph nodes as a contraindication provided that these nodes can be excised adequately. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to address this issue.

METHODS

An electronic search using Medline, Cancerlit and Embase databases was performed for studies reporting liver resection for colorectal metastases from 1964 to 1999. Data were extracted from papers reporting outcome for patients with positive hepatic nodes and analysed according to predetermined criteria.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were identified that gave survival data on 145 node-positive patients. Five patients were reported to have survived 5 years after liver resection; one was disease free, two had recurrent disease and the disease status was not described in the remaining two. Five studies containing 83 patients specified a formal lymph node dissection as part of the surgical procedure and four of the five node-positive 5-year survivors were from these studies.

CONCLUSION

There are few 5-year survivors after liver resection, with or without lymph node dissection, for colorectal hepatic metastases involving the hepatic lymph nodes.

Palliation of hilar biliary obstruction from colorectal metastases by endoscopic stent insertion

BACKGROUND

In patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma there is a distinct subgroup in whom jaundice is not due to hepatic replacement but rather biliary obstruction. We reviewed our experience with stent insertion in patients with malignant proximal biliary obstruction from metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients were treated between July 1992 and December 1996. Placement of a single stent was attempted at initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Hilar biliary obstruction was classified according to Bismuth's classification.

RESULTS

Successful stent placement was possible in 94% overall and at initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in 39% of patients. Successful stent placement occurred significantly more often in patients with a type I stricture. Cholangitis was the principal complication occurring in 24% of patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 24%, with death occurring significantly less often in patients with a type I or II stricture. Overall, 45% of patients had a 30% fall in bilirubin at 1 week. The median survival was 81 days, with significantly longer survival seen in patients with a type I or II stricture.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic stent placement offers effective palliation in most patients with hilar obstruction from colorectal metastases. A subset of patients with type III strictures and greater than 3 intrahepatic metastases often do not benefit from stent insertion.

Indicators for treatment strategies of colorectal liver metastases

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the survival predictors of patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis to determine useful indicators for therapy selection.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Although recurrence develops in more than two thirds of patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis, preoperative characteristics that might predict such recurrence have yet to be clearly identified.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data of 85 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer who underwent a curative resection of primary lesions and metastatic liver diseases at one institute were analyzed using the multivariate method with respect to both the metastatic state and the primary lesion.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis indicated that the aggressiveness of the primary tumor, early liver metastasis, and a large number of liver metastases were the characteristics that could be detected before hepatectomy and that independently indicated a worse survival. A three-ranked classification based on these coefficients (H-staging) was significantly related to both the recurrence rate within 6 months (7% in H-stage A, 30% in B, and 44% in C) and the 5-year survival rates (55%, 14%, and 0% respectively). An additional scoring system (H'-staging) based on the aggressiveness of the primary tumor and the level of carcinoembryonic antigen 1 to 3 months after hepatectomy was found to be related to the mode of subsequent recurrence and surgical resectability of the recurrent foci.

CONCLUSIONS

H-staging can provide useful prognostic information for the treatment of liver metastasis. H-staging could also help in predicting the possible mode of recurrence after hepatectomy and in determining the most suitable mode of additional therapy. Further multiinstitutional studies based on a large collective database will confirm the utility of these two staging systems.

Current treatment for colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver

Surgery is currently the only available treatment option which offers the potential for cure for patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Of those who undergo a potentially curative operation for their primary tumour but subsequently recur, almost 80% will develop evidence of metastatic disease within the liver. Greater experience and improvements in technique in liver surgery, with an increasingly aggressive surgical approach to metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver, has resulted in prolonged disease-free survival with 5-year rates varying from 21% to 48%. In order to increase these numbers further and to treat patients not eligible for surgical therapy, new treatment modalities and strategies have been developed. This review presents an update of the current treatment for colorectal disease metastatic to the liver.

Hepatic lymph node involvement in resected cases of liver metastases from colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Lymph node metastasis in the hepatoduodenal ligament is known as one of the most significant prognostic factors after liver resection for colorectal metastasis. However, there have been very few articles on the clinical features of node-positive patients and on detailed distribution of positive nodes. Further, there has been no established strategy on how to handle hepatic lymph nodes during liver resection. To address these subjects, a retrospective study was conducted.

METHODS

During the period of 1980 through April 1998, 182 hepatic resections were performed for metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Of these, 78 cases had hepatic lymph node sampling during the operation. Distribution of positive nodes, location of liver metastasis, stage of the primary lesion, and outcome after liver resection were analyzed.

RESULTS

Nine cases (12 percent) had secondary lymph node metastases in the hepatoduodenal ligament. The incidence was slightly higher (13.5 percent) in the most recent 44 consecutive cases. There was a tendency for liver metastases in the right lobe to metastasize to No. 12b (or node of the foramen of Winslow, lymph nodes along the common bile duct) and liver metastases in the left lobe to metastasize to No. 8a (anterosuperior group of the lymph nodes along the common hepatic artery). Outcome of node-positive patients (n = 9) was extremely poor (P < 0.001) compared with that of node-negative patients (n = 66), and the most common site of recurrence in the node-positive patients was remnant liver and hepatic lymph nodes. Preoperatively, there were no significant predicting factors for positive hepatic lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

No. 8a and No. 12b nodes are principal nodes that should be palpated and sampled during liver resection to check the secondary lymphatic spread from liver metastases. Hepatic nodal involvement indicates the progression of disease beyond simple liver metastases and may not be the indication for simple surgical removal. Further study, including hepatoduodenal dissection and systemic adjuvant chemotherapy, may elucidate the survival benefit, if any, of liver resection in node-positive patients.